1974 Willie Foster Signed Index Card

Large-format index card (6 x 4 inches) signed by Hall of Fame pitcher and former Negro League great Willie Foster. The legendary pitcher has scripted his name, “Willie (Bill) Foster,” in red ink (grading “10”) on the unlined reverse of the card. The date “7-19-74” appears directly below his name. This card was obviously mailed to Foster by a collector requesting his signature, as the front bears the pencil notation “Please sign other side.” This is a particularly outstanding example of this Hall of Fame signature rarity. This is a particularly noteworthy example also, as this very signature card will serve as the plate specimen of the soon-to-be published (currently in manuscript form) illustrated volume on Hall of Fame signatures by historian Ron Keurajian. The extreme rarity of Foster’s signature today is due to the fact that he was elected to the Hall of Fame in 1996, eighteen years after his death. Foster, who was the half brother of Rube Foster, pitched in the Negro Leagues from 1923 through 1937, during which time he won a record 137 games, six more than Satchel Paige. Often referred to as the “Cy Young” of the Negro Leagues, Foster also compiled a record of 6-1 against white all-star teams. In the 1960s Foster joined the staff at Alcorn College in Mississippi, where he served as both baseball coach and dean of men. He held both positions until shortly before his death in 1978. The index card is in Near Mint condition. LOA from James Spence/JSA. Reserve $300. Estimate $500/$1,000.SOLD FOR $1,645

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